Mayor hears student questions about gun violence at town hall

New York City students met with Mayor Bill de Blasio Thursday to express their thoughts and concerns regarding gun policies.

The mayor and first lady Chirlane McCray faced hundreds of high school students at an event called Students Speak NYC.

Some of the concerns from students included making city schools safer, possibly through the use of more metal detectors -- something the mayor said was ultimately the NYPD's domain, although random screenings are now happening at middle and high schools citywide.

Another topic was bettering the relationship between students and school safety officers. De Blasio agreed that more should be done to make those officers seem more approachable.

The first lady touched on mental health and increasing accessibility to counselors on school campuses.

Many weighed options on how to address gun violence in schools moving forward, and one topic the mayor stood firm on is not arming teachers.

De Blasio also addressed the upcoming national school walkout on March 14, saying that students who participate without missing any other classes that day will not be punished. He encouraged students to be more vocal about their fight for gun reform.

Photos of the 2018 Fleet Week ships coming up the Hudson River to Manhattan. There are 14 ships for the public to visit and tour. The celebration lasts a week. It has been held nearly every year since 1984.

Photos of the 2018 Fleet Week ships coming up the Hudson River to Manhattan. There are 14 ships for the public to visit and tour. The celebration lasts a week. It has been held nearly every year since 1984.